Srinagar, October 3, 2025 – In a thrilling boost for adventure seekers and nature enthusiasts, the iconic #Gulmarg #Gondola – one of Asia’s highest and longest cable cars – has fully reopened its doors following comprehensive safety checks, signaling the dawn of an unforgettable #Kashmir winter season. Nestled in the snow-draped meadows of #Gulmarg, this engineering marvel is once again ferrying visitors to breathtaking alpine heights, promising a blend of adrenaline-fueled thrills and serene #snowcaps vistas.The Jammu and Kashmir Cable Car Corporation (JKCCC) announced the resumption of operations on September 30, after a mandatory week-long closure from September 22 to 29 for annual maintenance and inspections. This routine shutdown, as per JKCCC protocols, ensures the system’s unwavering reliability amid the harsh Himalayan weather.
“The trials for Phase-I have concluded successfully, allowing us to enhance carrying capacity and deliver world-class service,” stated a JKCCC spokesperson, emphasizing the collaboration with original equipment manufacturer Poma France for thorough technical evaluations.Rising from the lush greens of Gulmarg resort at 2,650 meters, the two-stage #GulmargGondola ascends to the lofty Kongdoori Station at 3,080 meters in Phase I, before culminating at Apharwat Peak’s shoulder at 3,980 meters in Phase II – the world’s second-highest cable car lift. Spanning 2.5 kilometers with 97 cabins, it can transport up to 600 passengers per hour, offering unparalleled panoramas of pine-fringed valleys, glittering #Himalayan snowfields, and distant peaks that pierce the sky. Installed in 1998 by French firm Pomagalski, the project – a joint venture with the Jammu and Kashmir government – has since become synonymous with #KashmirTourism, drawing global crowds for skiing, snowboarding, and leisurely gondola rides.This timely reopening couldn’t come at a better moment, as early October flurries hint at the white wonderland ahead. Winter enthusiasts are already buzzing on social media, with posts hailing the gondola’s return as a “call from the mountains.” From expert skiers tackling powder bowls on Apharwat slopes to families savoring hot #Kehwa at the new Gondola Kehwa’ice café, the experiences are as diverse as the landscapes. “From alpine adventures to serene snowcaps, #Kashmir is calling,” echoed one excited traveler, capturing the sentiment rippling across platforms.Safety remains paramount, with enhanced protocols including weather monitoring and emergency drills post the 2017 incident that underscored the need for vigilance.
Tickets for the #GulmargGondola ride start at INR 700 for Phase I (one-way), with combo packages for both phases available online via the JKCCC portal or at on-site counters. Operating hours kick off at 9:00 AM, with slots extending to 3:30 PM, though visitors are advised to check for weather-induced adjustments.As #IncredibleIndia’s crown jewel in the Pir Panjal range, the gondola not only boosts local economies through tourism but also spotlights #Kashmir’s resilient spirit. With Phase III chairlifts connecting to Mary Shoulder for advanced skiing, this winter is poised to shatter records. Whether you’re chasing powder thrills or seeking tranquil escapes amid snow-kissed pines, the #Gulmarg #Gondola invites you to answer the call – your Himalayan odyssey awaits.
